Burkhard Plache, based at the Satlantic site in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has been a key part of the Sea-Bird Scientific R&D team for over 20 years. Before coming to Halifax, Burkhard received a Doctorate in Theoretical Physics from the Bielefeld University in Bielefeld, Germany. In his 21 years with Satlantic, Burkhard has been responsible for processing satellite imagery, designing instrument calibration setups, and optimizing sensor operational performance. Burkhard has also been intimately involved in the development of radiometers, spectrophotometers and active fluorometers with a focus on instrument firmware and calibration. Burkhard also provides his expert scientific and mathematical support to Satlantic's Support, Service and R&D groups.

In his spare time, Burkhard is an avid botanist and photographer, cataloging rare plant species in both Nova Scotia and Germany.